I'm looking to open a nail bar in my home country, Nigeria, and I'm doing a lot of research at the moment. While it's fun (the creative side), I'm having a few challenges already. I really need two experienced nail techs to help me train my potential employees back in Nigeria, and the plumbing situation back home isn't the greatest and would cost a fortunate to remodel. My question is: Is there a way to still have a chic nail bar without the proper pedicure chairs? Could I work with pedicure bowls at first? I really need your advice and help. Thank you.
Dami

Finding techs to train is a challenge, but I would start by contacting the nail companies whose products you currently use and ask if they have educators you could hire.

As far as the nail bar offering pedicure services without the spa chairs -- you are going to find that many salons are designing their own pedi areas with and without running water. We chose to forgo the plumbing for many reasons. We also feel strongly that no matter how well you clean the spa chairs there is no guarantee it is 100% disinfected and we share that info with our clients as to why we do not use them.

Keep in mind when you design the pedicure area it is ALL about the experience. Make sure your chairs or benches  are very comfortable  and your pedicure is an “experience”  – then the client won’t care what she is soaking her feet in.

--Vicki, Polish Salon, Brea, Calif.